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Court Procedure Applicable to Persons Charged Under the Criminal Code of Canada
Last Updated: July 08 2026
Question: What happens after my first court appearance if I was charged with a Criminal Code offence in Ontario?
Answer: If you are charged under the Criminal Code of Canada, DefendCharges.Lawyer can help you understand what typically comes next after your first appearance in Ontario Court of Justice, including entering a plea (guilty or not guilty), preparing for pre-trial steps like disclosure review and judicial or Crown pre-trials, and then heading into trial where the Crown must prove the case beyond a reasonable doubt and your defence can present evidence and witnesses. If you plead guilty, the matter usually moves to sentencing, where the judge considers the circumstances of the offence and relevant mitigating factors before deciding on a sentence that may include a fine and or jail time. To get practical guidance tailored to your situation and court timeline, call (647) 977-5997.
Introduction
The criminal court procedure applicable to persons charged under the Criminal Code of Canada is a complex and multi-faceted process. It is designed to ensure that all accused persons are treated fairly and that their rights are respected throughout the process.
Initial Charge
When a person is charged with a criminal offence under the Criminal Code, they will be given a notice to appear in court. This notice will provide the accused with the date, time, and location of their first appearance. The accused must attend the court appearance, or they may face additional charges for failing to appear.
Pre-Trial Procedures
Once the accused appears in court, the pre-trial procedures will begin. During this stage, the accused will enter a plea of either guilty or not guilty. If the accused pleads guilty, the court will proceed to sentencing. If the accused pleads not guilty, the court will move on to the trial phase.
Trial Proceedings
During the trial, the Crown will present evidence to prove the accused’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused is allowed to present evidence and call witnesses in their defence. The jury or judge will then decide if the accused is guilty or not guilty.
Sentencing
If the accused is found guilty, the court will proceed to the sentencing phase. During this phase, the court will consider the circumstances of the offence, the accused’s criminal record, and any mitigating factors. The court will then determine the appropriate sentence, which could include fines, jail time, or a combination of both.
Summary Comment
The criminal court procedure applicable to persons charged under the Criminal Code is a complex and multi-faceted process. It is designed to ensure that all accused persons are treated fairly and that their rights are respected throughout the process.
